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Top 20 Richest Men in the World 2025 – Rankings, Net Worths and What is Driving Them

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August 20, 2025
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Who are the richest men in the world right now? According to the latest Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List, fortunes are shifting faster than ever, fuelled by the rise of artificial intelligence, surging tech stocks, and global market moves.

From Silicon Valley innovators to luxury magnates and emerging market moguls, these top billionaires in the world not only shape industries but also influence economies.

This ranking captures the world’s richest men, spotlighting the entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders who define the global economy today.

Key Takeaways

  • Tech titans dominate the richest men in the world, with AI and software driving record valuations.
  • The world’s richest men are still largely U.S.-based, though Asia and Europe hold strong contenders.
  • Market swings in stocks and currencies mean the top billionaires in the world can change ranks daily.
  • Beyond wealth, many of the world’s richest men shape industries, policy, and philanthropy globally.

Top 20 Richest Men in the world According to Forbes

The world’s richest men may share the same status as billionaires, but the sources of their fortunes are strikingly diverse.

From tech giants revolutionising artificial intelligence to luxury moguls shaping global consumer culture, each name on this list of the richest men in the world tells a story of vision, risk, and scale.

Below, we profile each of the top billionaires in the world, their net worth as reported by the latest Forbes Billionaires List, and the industries that keep them at the peak of global wealth.

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1. Elon Musk

Elon Musk remains the richest man in the world as of Forbes’ latest real-time ranking.

As a visionary entrepreneur, he is best known for building and scaling some of the most disruptive companies of our time, from Tesla’s electric vehicle revolution to SpaceX’s advances in space exploration.

Musk’s influence stretches across industries, making him not only one of the world’s richest men but also one of its most impactful innovators.

Net Worth

Elon Musk’s fortune is valued at $342 billion, fuelled largely by his holdings in Tesla and SpaceX. His wealth rises and falls sharply with Tesla’s stock performance, while SpaceX’s soaring private valuation continues to strengthen his position at the top of the global rich list.

Sources of Wealth

While Tesla accounts for the bulk of Musk’s wealth, his portfolio is spread across several groundbreaking companies:

Company / VentureIndustryRole and Stake
TeslaElectric Vehicles & Clean EnergyCo-founder & CEO, major shareholder
SpaceXAerospace and Space TransportationFounder and CEO, significant equity stake
The Boring CompanyInfrastructure and TunnellingFounder
X (formerly Twitter)Social MediaOwner
NeuralinkNeurotechnologyCo-founder

2. Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg has cemented his place among the world’s richest men through the meteoric rise of Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.

Once the youngest billionaire in history, he has transformed from a Harvard dropout coding in a dorm room to a tech leader shaping how billions of people connect, share, and interact online.

His bold bet on the metaverse initially rattled investors, but Meta’s renewed focus on artificial intelligence and advertising has restored confidence and significantly boosted his fortune.

Net Worth

Zuckerberg’s net worth stands at $216 billion, driven primarily by his controlling stake in Meta. His wealth has surged with the company’s rebound in advertising revenue and its aggressive pivot into AI, making him one of the fastest risers on the Forbes billionaires list.

Sources of Wealth

Company and VentureIndustryRole and Stake
Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads)Social Media and TechnologyCo-founder, CEO, controlling shareholder
Reality Labs (Metaverse & VR)Virtual Reality / ARDivision of Meta
Chan Zuckerberg InitiativePhilanthropy and ResearchCo-founder (with Priscilla Chan)

3. Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, remains one of the richest men in the world despite stepping down as CEO in 2021.

Known for transforming e-commerce and cloud computing, Bezos built Amazon from an online bookstore into a global tech and retail powerhouse.

Beyond Amazon, his ventures into space exploration and media ownership reflect his appetite for bold, long-term bets. Today, Bezos is less involved in Amazon’s day-to-day operations but continues to wield enormous influence in business and innovation.

Net Worth

Bezos’s fortune stands at roughly $215 billion, with the majority tied to his Amazon shares. While he has sold portions of his stake over the years, the company’s steady growth in retail and AWS keeps him firmly among the top billionaires in the world.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole or Stake
AmazonE-commerce & Cloud (AWS)Founder, major shareholder
Blue OriginAerospace & Space TourismFounder
The Washington PostMedia & PublishingOwner
Bezos ExpeditionsVenture Capital & InvestmentsFounder, investor

4. Larry Ellison

Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, is a towering figure in enterprise technology and one of the richest men in the world.

Known for his sharp business instincts and relentless pursuit of innovation, Ellison transformed Oracle into a global leader in database software and cloud services.

Beyond technology, he has built a lifestyle empire that includes luxury real estate holdings, investments in wellness, and even ownership of the Hawaiian island of Lanai. His strategic vision and long-term bets have kept him among the top billionaires in the world for decades.

Net Worth

Ellison’s net worth is estimated at $192billion, with the bulk tied to his significant stake in Oracle. His fortune has grown steadily as the company expands its cloud business and continues to compete with the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, and Google in enterprise software.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
Oracle CorporationEnterprise Software & CloudCo-founder, CTO, major shareholder
TeslaElectric VehiclesEarly investor, significant stake
Real Estate (incl. Lanai Island, Hawaii)Property & LifestyleOwner
Investments and VenturesTech & LifestyleInvestor

5. Bernard Arnault

Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, is the undisputed titan of luxury and among the richest men in the world.

Often referred to as the “King of Luxury,” Arnault has built an empire spanning fashion, jewellery, perfumes, and wines, bringing together over 70 prestigious brands under LVMH.

His wealth is powered not just by financial acumen but by a sharp eye for branding, acquisitions, and maintaining exclusivity in a world where luxury remains resilient even in uncertain markets.

Net Worth

Arnault’s fortune is valued at around $178 billion, primarily tied to his controlling stake in LVMH. Despite competition from tech billionaires, he has consistently ranked near the top of the world’s richest men, underscoring the enduring global appetite for luxury goods.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
LVMH (Moët Hennessy, Louis Vuitton)Luxury Goods & RetailChairman & CEO, controlling shareholder
Christian DiorFashion & LuxuryThrough the holding company
Personal Real Estate & ArtProperty & CollectiblesOwner and Collector
InvestmentsVariousInvestor

See Also: Top 20 Richest Women in Nigeria- Inspiring Stories of Wealth, Power, and Influence

6. Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett, often called the “Oracle of Omaha,” is one of the most respected investors in history and still ranks among the richest men in the world.

Through Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate he has led for decades, Buffett has built a fortune by investing in undervalued businesses and holding them for the long term.

Known for his modest lifestyle and wisdom, Buffett is admired not only for his wealth but also for his disciplined investment philosophy, which has inspired generations of entrepreneurs and investors.

Net Worth

Buffett’s fortune is estimated at about $154 billion, primarily tied to his ownership stake in Berkshire Hathaway. His wealth grows steadily with the performance of the company’s vast holdings, spanning insurance, consumer goods, utilities, and major stakes in public companies.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
Berkshire HathawayConglomerate (Insurance, Utilities, Rail, Consumer Goods, Investments)Chairman and CEO, major shareholder
Public Company Investments (e.g., Apple, Coca-Cola, Bank of America)Technology, Consumer Goods, FinanceInvestor via Berkshire Hathaway
Personal InvestmentsVariousInvestor

7. Larry Page

Larry Page, co-founder of Google, has played a pivotal role in shaping the internet as we know it. Alongside Sergey Brin, he transformed a university research project into Alphabet, one of the most powerful technology companies in the world.

Although he stepped back from day-to-day management in 2019, Page remains deeply influential through his controlling ownership stake and ongoing involvement in ambitious projects.

His wealth firmly places him among the richest men in the world, a testament to the dominance of Google and its sprawling ecosystem.

Net Worth

Page’s net worth is estimated at $144 billion, driven largely by his shares in Alphabet. Despite his low public profile, the consistent growth of Google’s core businesses, search, advertising, YouTube, and cloud, continues to sustain and expand his fortune.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
Alphabet (Google, YouTube, Google Cloud)Technology & AdvertisingCo-founder, major shareholder
Kitty Hawk / Flying Car VenturesAerospace & InnovationInvestor / Founder
InvestmentsVarious Tech StartupsInvestor

8. Sergey Brin

Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, is one of the pioneering figures of the modern internet age. Working alongside Larry Page, he helped develop the search engine technology that became the foundation of Google and later Alphabet Inc.

Though he stepped down from executive roles in 2019, Brin remains an active investor and maintains a strong influence through his ownership stake.

His fortune keeps him firmly among the richest men in the world, driven by the continued dominance of Google’s digital ecosystem.

Net Worth

Brin’s net worth is estimated at about $138 billion, derived mostly from his shares in Alphabet. While he has a lower public profile compared to other tech leaders, his holdings ensure his place among the top billionaires in the world.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
Alphabet (Google, YouTube, Google Cloud)Technology & AdvertisingCo-founder, major shareholder
InvestmentsTechnology & InnovationInvestor
Philanthropy (Brin Wojcicki Foundation)Social ImpactCo-founder

9. Amancio Ortega

Amancio Ortega, the reclusive Spanish businessman, is the founder of Inditex, the world’s largest fashion retailer, best known for its flagship brand Zara.

Unlike the tech-heavy names dominating the list, Ortega’s wealth is built on fast fashion, delivering stylish clothing at accessible prices with remarkable speed.

His sharp retail instincts and efficient supply chain strategy turned a small clothing shop in Galicia into a global powerhouse. Despite keeping a very low profile and rarely granting interviews, Ortega’s fortune cements his place among the top billionaires in the world.

Net Worth

Ortega’s net worth is estimated at around $124 billion, stemming mainly from his majority stake in Inditex. In addition to his retail fortune, he has diversified heavily into real estate across Europe and the United States, adding stability and long-term value to his wealth.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
Inditex (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, Bershka, etc.)Fashion & RetailFounder, major shareholder
Real Estate HoldingsCommercial & Residential PropertyInvestor / Owner
InvestmentsVariousInvestor

10. Steve Ballmer

Steve Ballmer, the energetic former CEO of Microsoft, has built his fortune through a mix of long-term loyalty and sharp leadership.

Joining Microsoft in its early years, Ballmer became one of Bill Gates’s closest allies and eventually led the company from 2000 to 2014.

Under his leadership, Microsoft expanded its enterprise software dominance and laid the groundwork for its later cloud success. Since stepping down, Ballmer has channelled his energy into sports ownership and philanthropy, all while remaining among the richest men in the world thanks to his massive Microsoft stake.

Net Worth

Ballmer’s net worth is estimated at roughly $118 billion, fuelled almost entirely by his Microsoft holdings. His fortune has grown steadily alongside Microsoft’s rise as a global cloud and technology leader, keeping him high on the list of the richest men in the world.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
MicrosoftSoftware & CloudFormer CEO, major shareholder
Los Angeles ClippersSports (NBA)Owner
Philanthropy (Ballmer Group)Social ImpactCo-founder (with wife Connie)

11. Rob Walton

Rob Walton, the eldest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is one of the key heirs to the world’s largest retailer. Having served as chairman of Walmart for over two decades, Walton helped guide the company’s expansion as it solidified its dominance in global retail.

Today, he remains a significant shareholder in Walmart and one of the richest men in the world, with his fortune rooted firmly in the family business.

Walton keeps a relatively low public profile compared to other billionaires, though his wealth ensures continued influence.

Net Worth

Walton’s net worth is estimated at about $110 billion, largely tied to his stake in Walmart. The company’s consistent performance in retail and e-commerce keeps him near the top of the world’s richest men.

Sources of Wealth

Company or VentureIndustryRole / Stake
WalmartRetail & E-commerceFormer Chairman, major shareholder
Denver Broncos (via Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group)Sports (NFL)Co-owner
Family InvestmentsVariousWalton family holdings

12. Jim Walton

Jim Walton, the youngest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is another key heir to the Walmart empire and one of the richest men in the world.

Unlike some of his siblings, Jim has played a more behind-the-scenes role, focusing on banking and finance in addition to his Walmart stake. He served for many years on Walmart’s board before stepping down in 2016, passing the role to his son Steuart.

His low profile and focus on family business interests contrast with the visibility of other global billionaires, but his fortune firmly secures him among the top billionaires in the world.

Net Worth

Jim Walton’s net worth is estimated at around $109 billion, derived largely from his Walmart holdings. His wealth grows steadily as Walmart expands its footprint in both traditional retail and e-commerce.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
WalmartRetail & E-commerceHeir, significant shareholder
Arvest BankBanking & FinanceBoard Member, family-controlled
Family InvestmentsVariousWalton family holdings

13. Bill Gates

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has long been a household name and one of the most influential figures in technology and philanthropy.

His role in building Microsoft into a global software powerhouse not only secured him a place among the richest men in the world but also reshaped how billions of people interact with technology.

In recent years, Gates has shifted his focus toward philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tackling issues like global health, education, and climate change. Despite stepping away from Microsoft’s daily operations, his wealth and influence remain immense.

Net Worth

Gates’s net worth is estimated at $108billion, primarily from Microsoft shares and a diversified investment portfolio. While his fortune has been surpassed by newer tech titans, he remains one of the top billionaires in the world, balancing business investments with large-scale philanthropy.

Sources of Wealth

Company or VentureIndustryRole or Stake
MicrosoftSoftware & CloudCo-founder, significant shareholder
Cascade InvestmentInvestment HoldingFounder & Owner
Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationPhilanthropyCo-chair
Real Estate & Other InvestmentsProperty, EquityInvestor

14. Michael Bloomberg

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire businessman and philanthropist, is best known as the co-founder of Bloomberg L.P., the global financial information and media company.

His journey from Wall Street trader to creating the world’s most widely used financial data platform has made him one of the richest men in the world.

Beyond business, Bloomberg has served as mayor of New York City and remains a prominent voice in politics and philanthropy, particularly in areas like climate change and public health. His blend of entrepreneurship, public service, and giving distinguishes him among the top billionaires in the world.

Net Worth

Bloomberg’s net worth is estimated at around $105 billion, derived primarily from his 88% ownership stake in Bloomberg L.P. The privately held company continues to dominate financial data terminals and information services globally, underpinning its vast fortune.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
Bloomberg L.P.Financial Data & MediaCo-founder, majority owner (88%)
InvestmentsFinance & TechnologyInvestor
Philanthropy (Bloomberg Philanthropies)Global Health, Climate, EducationFounder

15. Jensen Huang

Jensen Huang, the Taiwanese-American entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA, the company at the centre of the artificial intelligence revolution.

Under his leadership, NVIDIA evolved from a niche graphics card maker into one of the most valuable technology companies in the world. Its graphics processing units (GPUs) now power AI, data centres, autonomous vehicles, and advanced computing, placing Huang firmly among the richest men in the world.

His strategic vision and ability to anticipate market shifts have made him one of the most influential figures in technology today.

Net Worth

Huang’s net worth is estimated at roughly $98.7 billion, fuelled almost entirely by his significant stake in NVIDIA. As demand for GPUs has surged in the AI era, his wealth has grown at an unprecedented pace, propelling him rapidly up the list of richest men in the world.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
NVIDIASemiconductors & AICo-founder & CEO, major shareholder
InvestmentsTechnology & StartupsInvestor
PhilanthropyEducation & ResearchDonor

16. Michael Dell

Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, is a self-made billionaire who turned a dorm-room startup into one of the world’s largest technology companies.

Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen, Dell has navigated his company through privatisation, mergers, and a return to public markets, all while expanding its presence in personal computing, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise solutions.

His ability to reinvent and adapt has kept him firmly among the richest men in the world.

Net Worth

Dell’s net worth is estimated at around $97.7 billion, anchored by his controlling stake in Dell Technologies and his investment firm, MSD Capital. His fortune reflects not just the growth of his core business but also his strategic investments across technology and finance.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
Dell TechnologiesTechnology (Computers, Cloud, IT)Founder, Chairman & CEO, majority shareholder
MSD Capital & MSD PartnersInvestment & Private EquityFounder & Owner
InvestmentsTechnology & FinanceInvestor

17. Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), is India’s richest man and one of the most powerful business leaders in Asia.

He has transformed Reliance from an oil and petrochemicals company founded by his father into a diversified conglomerate with interests in telecoms, retail, energy, and digital services.

Ambani’s bold bets, particularly on Jio, his telecom and digital venture, have redefined India’s consumer landscape and secured his place among the richest men in the world.

Net Worth

Ambani’s net worth is estimated at around $92.5 billion, with the bulk of his fortune tied to Reliance Industries. His wealth reflects not just India’s economic rise but also his ability to diversify Reliance’s portfolio into high-growth sectors like telecoms, retail, and green energy.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
Reliance Industries (Energy, Petrochemicals, Retail, Telecom)ConglomerateChairman & Managing Director, major shareholder
Jio PlatformsTelecoms & Digital ServicesFounder, major stakeholder
Reliance RetailRetail & E-commerceChairman (via RIL)
Green Energy InvestmentsRenewable EnergyInvestor (via Reliance)

18. Carlos Slim Helú

Carlos Slim Helú, often referred to as the “Warren Buffett of Mexico,” is a self-made billionaire who built his fortune through telecoms and diversified investments.

As the chairman of Grupo Carso, Slim controls a sprawling empire that spans telecommunications, retail, banking, energy, and construction. Through América Móvil, Latin America’s largest mobile operator, he became one of the richest men in the world, holding a near-monopoly in Mexico’s telecom market for years.

Slim is known for his disciplined investment strategy and remains a towering figure in Latin America’s business landscape.

Net Worth

Slim’s net worth is estimated at $82.5 billion, derived largely from his controlling stake in América Móvil. His fortune also reflects extensive holdings in Mexican and international companies, making him one of the most diversified billionaires on the list of the richest men in the world.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
América MóvilTelecommunicationsChairman, controlling shareholder
Grupo CarsoConglomerate (Retail, Banking, Construction, Energy)Chairman & Owner
Financial & Equity InvestmentsVarious, including banking, mining, and real estateInvestor
Philanthropy (Carlos Slim Foundation)Social ImpactFounder

19. Charles Koch

Charles Koch is the long-time chairman and CEO of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States.

The conglomerate spans oil refining, chemicals, energy, ranching, paper products, and investments, making it a powerhouse of American industry.

Known for his libertarian political influence and philanthropic efforts, Koch has been a consistent fixture among the richest men in the world. His wealth is tied to the continued expansion and diversification of Koch Industries, which he has led for decades with a focus on market-based management principles.

Net Worth

Koch’s net worth is estimated at about $67.5 billion, rooted in his majority stake in Koch Industries. As the company remains private, much of his fortune reflects the valuation of its vast and diversified business operations.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole or Stake
Koch IndustriesConglomerate (Energy, Chemicals, Manufacturing, Finance)Chairman & CEO, majority owner
InvestmentsFinance & StartupsThrough Koch Industries & family
Philanthropy (Charles Koch Foundation, Stand Together)Education, Policy, Social CausesFounder

20. Zhang Yiming

Zhang Yiming, the Chinese tech entrepreneur, is best known as the founder of ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.

He stepped down as CEO in 2021, but his role in building one of the world’s most influential social media platforms has secured him a lasting place among the richest men in the world.

ByteDance’s explosive growth, driven by TikTok’s global dominance and its AI-driven content algorithms, has made Zhang one of the most powerful figures in China’s technology sector. Despite his quiet and reserved persona, his vision reshaped how billions of people consume content.

Net Worth

Zhang’s net worth is estimated at about $65.5 billion, tied mainly to his significant stake in ByteDance. While ByteDance remains privately held, its valuation continues to soar, making him one of the top billionaires in the world from China’s new generation of entrepreneurs.

Sources of Wealth

Company / VentureIndustryRole / Stake
ByteDance (TikTok, Douyin, Toutiao)Technology & Social MediaFounder, major shareholder
InvestmentsTechnology StartupsInvestor

Conclusion

The richest men in the world reflect more than just staggering net worths; they represent the industries, innovations, and markets shaping our time.

From tech visionaries and retail giants to luxury magnates and energy tycoons, their fortunes rise and fall with global shifts, but their influence remains constant. Together, they offer a snapshot of how wealth and power are being created in today’s world.

We want to see you succeed, and that’s why we provide valuable business resources to help you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the richest man in the world right now?

Elon Musk currently holds the title of the richest man in the world, with his fortune largely driven by Tesla and SpaceX.

Which industries produce the most billionaires?

Technology leads the way, followed by retail, finance, energy, and luxury goods. The surge in AI and cloud computing has created massive new fortunes.

How often does Forbes update the list of the world’s richest men?

The Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List updates daily, reflecting stock prices, valuations, and currency fluctuations.

Do the richest men in the world give to charity?

Yes, many do. Figures like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Michael Bloomberg have pledged large portions of their fortunes to philanthropy.

Who are the top billionaires in the world?

The top billionaires in the world include Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, and Warren Buffett, according to the latest Forbes rankings.

Who is the youngest among the world’s richest men?

Mark Zuckerberg is one of the youngest on the list of the world’s richest men, having become a billionaire in his twenties through Facebook (now Meta).

Which country has the most richest men in the world?

The United States leads with the highest number of billionaires on the richest people in the world list, thanks to its dominance in technology and finance.

Do the richest men in the world keep their wealth in cash?

No. The richest men in the world and their net worth are tied mainly to company shares, private businesses, and investments, not liquid cash.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Juliet Ugochukwu

ReDahlia is the parent company of entrepreneurs.ng

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